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Turn on the news or scroll through social media, and the United States can appear caught in a storm. Stories of deep political divides, tensions between the government and top universities, and growing concerns over policies that touch everything from education funding to student visas paint a worrying picture. Add to that the talk of departmental cuts, rising trade friction, and recent crackdowns on international students, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of unease.
So it’s a fair question: Why would anyone, especially a student with big dreams, still choose the US right now? I’ve asked myself that more than once.
Book cheap flights to the United States
Tracking global student flow to the US
Yet, despite the noise, the allure of American higher education remains strong. Recent data appears to support this. According to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Open Doors report, the US hosted an all-time high of over 1.1 million international students in the 2023/2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. Even preliminary numbers for Fall 2024 show continued, albeit slower, growth.
However, by March 2025, the total number of international students in the US had declined slightly, down 11.33% year-on-year. Still, overall enrollment remains high, underscoring America’s ongoing draw as a top study destination.
For Indonesia, the connection remains significant. Last academic year, 8,348 Indonesian students studied in the US, making us the second-largest contingent from Southeast Asia. There was even a notable 10% jump in Indonesians pursuing graduate degrees and a significant 28.6% rise in short-term exchanges, partly thanks to initiatives like the government’s Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) partnering with US universities. Clearly, many of us still see immense value across the Pacific.
@ Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Republik Indonesia
Trends among the largest sending countries, however, paint a more complex picture. India, which overtook China in 2023/2024 as the top source of international students (sending over 331,000), now appears to be facing a sharp downturn. Recent data suggests a potential 28% decline in active Indian student numbers between March 2024 and March 2025. While long-term interest remains strong, short-term factors, such as rising visa denials and policy uncertainty, are starting to take a toll.
China, still the second-largest source country with around 277,000 students in 2023/2024, continues its gradual multi-year decline. While the total remains substantial, ongoing visa challenges, geopolitical tensions, safety concerns, and increased competition from other universities, both local and global, have prompted many Chinese families to consider alternative destinations.
In short: America’s shine isn’t gone, but the road there feels bumpier than before.
The reasons why, and the realities I face
So, what is it that pulls us? For me, and likely for many others, it boils down to a few core things. Firstly, the quality and reputation of US universities are undeniable. They consistently top global rankings, offer cutting-edge research opportunities, and provide a breadth of academic programs, particularly in STEM fields – areas like computer science and engineering, which attract over half of all international students and are crucial for Indonesia’s future development. The chance to learn from leading professors and access world-class facilities is a powerful draw.
@ MIT
Secondly, there’s the experience itself. It’s about more than just textbooks. It’s the desire to immerse oneself in a different culture, engage with people from diverse backgrounds (both American and international), broaden my perspective, and improve my English in a native environment. It’s about the personal growth that comes from navigating a new place, building independence, and most importantly, creating a global network.
Of course, the path isn’t without its anxieties. Preparing involves navigating a maze of applications, standardized tests, and financial planning. The visa process, always a source of stress, feels even more precarious now. News reports from April 2025 about student visa revocations, even for minor past issues, and recent changes tightening the rules for visa interview waivers, naturally cause concern.
Will my application be treated fairly? Will I encounter unexpected hurdles even after I arrive? These aren’t abstract fears; they are real considerations in planning this journey.
Adding to this are worries about the political climate. Will I feel welcome? Will policies shift abruptly? Recent surveys, such as one by IDP Education, suggest that while overall interest remains, many prospective students (understandably) feel hesitant, with a significant number stating they would reconsider if rumored travel bans materialize. Almost half are apparently making ‘Plan B’ arrangements. It shows we are proceeding with hope, but also with eyes wide open to the potential challenges.
Navigating this uncertainty requires proactive effort. I make it a point to rely only on official information, regularly checking updates from the specific universities I’m applying to and official government sources. Reading news is important, but filtering out speculation and focusing on verified facts is crucial.
The application process now requires extra care. That’s why I’m ensuring all my documents are complete and submitted well in advance of deadlines to avoid any unexpected delays. I’m also mentally preparing for potential hurdles and staying flexible. I also find that staying in touch with university admissions officers has been incredibly reassuring. They understand the process well and often know how to navigate the hurdles. Just having that support makes me feel like, somehow, “everything’s going to be alright”.
It’s also wise to have backup plans. Some students are also applying to universities in Canada, Australia, or Europe as alternatives, in case policies shift suddenly.
Ultimately, it is essential to select universities with robust international student support offices and a reputation for embracing diverse communities. Big cities and university towns are especially inclusive.
Despite the very real concerns, I choose to look beyond the current headlines.
Political administrations change. Visa policies evolve. However, the quality of education, the opportunities for research and innovation, and the personal growth that comes from living abroad have lasting value.
Studying in the US is an investment not just in a degree, but in a broader, more connected future for myself and for the role I hope to play in Indonesia’s development. The US may seem a bit unstable right now, but its universities remain global powerhouses. Even with added complexities, the opportunity to be part of that environment feels worthwhile.
And that’s a dream I’m not ready to give up.
